Your Andersen® hinged insect screen keep bugs outside out of your home while increasing airflow. Ensuring it continues to operate properly can be quickly done.
How to Check Condition and Clean Your Andersen® Hinged Insect Screens
Cleaning and checking that your insect screen panel is installed properly and in good condition can be done in a few quick steps.
When to Use This Article
We recommend following the instructions in this article to check the condition of your patio door hinged insect screen and to clean it at least once a year. If you live in a coastal, industrial, or agricultural area with higher levels of airborne materials like dirt, dust, smoke, and salt spray, we recommend following these instructions at least every three (3) months.
This Article Will Help You:
- Check screen installation.
- Check screen hinges.
- Clean insect screen mesh.
Tools and Supplies Needed
- One (1) soft cleaning cloth
- Soft-bristle brush
- Mild soapy water
- Clean water
Let's Get Started
Check Screen Installation
- Visually inspect the insect screen mesh, checking to see if there are any tears in the mesh or if the mesh is fraying.
- Visually inspect the gap between the insect screen door and the frame. The space between the door and frame should be equal on all sides.
If you notice the insect screen mesh is damaged, Contact Andersen® Windows and Doors for assistance.
Check Screen Hinges
- Open your hinged insect screen and look at the hinges, checking to see if the hardware is bent, detached, or damaged.
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- If, upon inspection, you notice a bent, detached, or damaged hinge component, we recommend that you replace that hinge. See details under Need Parts?
Each insect screen door will have either two (2) or three (3) hinges, depending on the height of the patio door unit. For information on replacing the hinges, see Hinge Replacement for Patio Door Hinged Insect Screens.
Hinges may need lubricating, and we recommend using Andersen® dry lubricant spray. 
Clean Insect Screen Mesh
- Use a soft-bristle brush to remove any visible debris from the insect screen mesh.
- Clean the mesh with mild soapy water and a cleaning cloth.
- Thoroughly rinse the insect screen with clean water to remove all soap residue.
Do not use abrasive cleaners or solutions containing corrosive solvents. For persistent dirt or grime, use a nonabrasive cleanser.
Need Parts?
During your hinge check, if you noticed that a hinge is damaged or broken, Contact Andersen® Windows and Doors or by Locating Andersen® Window and Door Retailers/Dealers to order replacement hinge components or entire hinge kits.
Related Articles
During your installation check, if you noticed that the insect screen door is rubbing on the frame of your patio door unit, your insect screen may be crooked. To adjust the screen to prevent it dragging or scraping against the frame, see Patio Door Hinged Insect Screen Binding, Dragging or Rubbing on the Sill.
If your patio door's hinged insect screen is not opening or closing to your liking, see Adjust Andersen® Patio Door Hinged Insect Screen Closers.
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